
Class 4^_I'Zi3_ 
Book (xE3 E? 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



1 




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Deal gently with us, je who read! 

Our largest hope is unfulfilled, — 
The promise still outruns the deed, — 

The tower, but not the spire, we build. 

Our -whitest pearl we never find ; 

Our ripest fruit we never reach ; 
The flowering moments of the mind 

Drop half their petals in our speech. 

These are the blossoms ; if thej wear 

One streak of morn or evening's glow, 
Accept them ; but to me more fair 

The buds of song that never blow. 

Oliver Wendell Holmes. 



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EVENING LYRICS 



As the evening tivilight fades a'way. 

The sky is filled luith stars iri'visibie by day, 

—Longfello'w, 



0) 



HENRY A. GOODRICH 



AUTHOR OF 

THE EVOLUTION OF THE HIGH SCHOOL, FITCHBURG PIONEERS 

IN KANSAS, VERSE WRITERS OF FITCHBURG- 

PAST AND PRESENT 




FITCHBURG 

W. A. EMERSON, PUBLISHER 

1902 




CONGRESS. 
T>#o Cofibti RfecavcD 

NOV. 2^ tQ(^? 

OOPY B. _J 



^ 



Copyright, 1902, 
By Henry A, Goodrich. 



SENTINEL PRINTING CO. 



These selections are taken from verses 
written in the leisure moments of a busi- 
ness life covering a period of nearly fifty 
years. 

The illustrations are mainly from orig- 
inal designs by the publisher. 




PAGE 

Twilight, 6 

There's No Such Word as Fail, 8 

Learn to Labor and to Wait, 10 

Presentation to Henry Jackson, 12 

Ladies' Night of the Merchants' Association, .... 14 

A Birthday Tribute to Alonzo P. Goodridge, .... 15 

Post 19, G. A. R., 16 

Unfurling the Flag, . 17 

Merchants' Association Banquet, 18 

Old Home Week, 22 

Annual Banquet of the Merchants' Association, .... 23 

In Memoriam to President McKinley, 27 

At the Banquet Complimentary to General Miles, ... 28 

Shaffer's Supposed Address at Santiago, 34 

The Closing of Laurel Street, 35 

A Message from the First High School to Class of 1901, . 36 

An American Ode, 40 

A Winter Morning, . 42 

Sunset Over Rollstone 43 





^ ^ ^ ^ 



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L^ 




How sweet this hour of love and peace — 
This calm, still twilight hour; 

When thoughts of care and sorrow cease, 
And music lends her power. 

It is the hour that calls to mind 
The memory of by-gone days; 

Of childhood's home, of friends so kind, 
Of hours we spent in sportive plays. 

Where are they now, those friends so dear, 
We loved to meet in days of yore? 

Alas! they are scattered far and near, 
From Maine to California's shore. 



I love the hour of parting day, 

The evening sunset scene; 
When toil is over, care away. 
And all is tranquil and serene. 



In such an hour I love to roam 

Amid the forest's gloom, 
When starry, azure skies above 

Are tinged with twilight bloom. 

O glorious Nature! we can see 

Beauty in all thy changing scenes; 

One twilight hour to muse with thee 

May well compare with heavenlj^ dreams. 



FiTCHBURG, June, 1853. 









Written for the Sentinel, 1854. 

Ho! voyager on the sea of life, 

Though weighted down with care, 
Why should'st thou think of halting here? 

Thou hast no time to spare! 
Let not thy ship at anchor lay; 

Hoist up the driving sail! 
While Faith points out the safer way, 

There's no such word as fail! 

Does Indigence thy pathway shade 

To learning's classic halls ? 
Aspiring youth! thine humble grade 

For greater effort calls. 
Let Perseverance, armed for Truth, 

O'er want and gloom prevail; 
For lofty minds in early youth 

There's no such word as fail. 

Has thou a wound by Cupid*s dart? 

Why pine in dark despair? 
Wisdom would teach a wiser part, 

O thou with downcast air! 
Cheer up! thy bloom and beauty save! 

Light up that cheek so pale! 
For one like thee, so young and brave, 

There's no such word as fail! 



Is wealth denied? or cruel fate 

Your worldly plans o'erthrown ? 
Arise with double zeal! nor wait 

For Fame's uncertain crown. 
Should Disappointment cross thy way 

Through ''life's sequestered vale," 
Hope ever speaks a brighter day — 

There's no such word as fail! 

Ho! champion of the people's cause, 

Press on for freedom still! 
Though "quacks of state" may stop and pause 

The true man never will. 
Shall we, the sons of patriot sires. 

At ''little giants" quail? 
When duty calls and faith inspires. 

There's no such word as fail! 

Our fathers fought for liberty 

Through seven long years of gloom, 
And gained at last a victory 

Which sealed the tyrant's doom. 
Shall Freedom, then, our boasted pride. 

E'er be of no avail? 
While God and truth are on our side, 

There's no such word as fail! 





TEXT FROM LONGFELLOW'S PSALM OF LIFE. 



Would you seek for worldly wisdom? 

Patient toil the prize must gain ! 
All the power of wealth or station 

Without labor is in vain. 
Do you seek for fame or glory, 

Or a place among the great? 
Desperate barriers are before you, — 

"Learn to labor and to wait!" 

Act well your part, for Truth is mighty. 

Struggle on with power and might; 
Woe to him who shrinks from duty, 

And the lofty sense of right. 
Speak the truth and yield to reason. 

Though the world should scorn and hate; 
Things will come right in their season, — 

''Learn to labor and to wait!" 



10 



Press bravely onward! never stopping, 

Though you labor all alone; 
For 'tis said that constant dropping 

Wears away the hardest stone. 
Let the Golden Promise, shining 

Brightly in some future state, 
Cheer thee onw^ard when declining, — 

'* Learn to labor and to wait." 

Toil and labor in due season, 

The harvest prize you'll sure obtain; 
The voice of Nature and of Reason 

Is that labor leads to gain. 
Yield to stern Oppression never, 

Whate'er may be your earthly fate! 
Show the world that you will ever 

"Learn to labor and to wait!" 




11 




Some twenty years ago, a thriving town 

Needed a clerk to note its records down; 

And when election came, with local pride, 

**An honest man is found!" the voters cried. 

Year after year, at each autumnal race. 

The leaders changed and others took their place, 

Yet one there was, through all this changing choice. 

Elected still, with no dissenting voice. 

Search through the journals, where the tale is told 

Of the town's doings, in the days of old. 

Here was a scribe who noted every death, — 

Of marriage license never lisped a breath, — 

Kept trace of births, of titles and of deeds. 

And dogs he licensed for the township's needs. 

The city's charter and the city's birth 

Met their recorder with a touch of mirth ; 

And the officials of successive years, 

If knowledge of their work had any fears, 

To him applied, and then the method saw 

To draw an order or to frame a law. 

Time passes on, and the increasing work 

Brings added burdens to the City Clerk. 

Finding his duties more than he could bear, 

A younger man must now the honors share. 



12 



Although no longer clerk, we're thankful for 
The chance to hold him as an Auditor, 
And hasten to assure him of the fact 
That we shall treasure every kindly act 
As pleasing memories scattered by the way, 
And as one tells us, in the minstrel's lay : 
''For him in vain the envious seasons roll 
Who bears eternal summer in his soul. 
Turn to the record where his years are told. 
Count his gray hairs — they cannot make him 



old, 




And now, Mr. Jackson, permit me to say 

That the merchants of Fitchburg, assembled to-day. 

Pay tribute of thanks, and ask you to take 

The tokens we offer — not for the sake 

Of their intrinsical value alone. 

But as mementos of service well done. 

This cane please accept as an aid and staff, 

This pen will answer for your autograph, 

And the desk and the chair, as the years go by. 

Will bring to your mind, when they meet your eye. 

That you have proved the saying just, 

"A public office is a public trust." 




J"^lli''!VH"''«v,*i»»«,'V'»v.',«.«i».»i'«:' 





^^ 



y\(\£j^eHi\MTi>' AssoejATfON: 



;§liWAL^B'^^aa".^4r'S|S||el8 



Brother merchants, we gather again at this bountilul board, 

Where the turmoil of traffic for a time is ignored, 

Where the passport to pleasure is certainly clear, 

And the pledges of friendship are renewed year by year. 

Here's a welcome to woman ! She is with us to-night. 
And the joys of this banquet have a special delight. 
She is with us, not waiting, as she sometimes has done, 
For the return of the merchant from his feasting and fun. 

Then welcome! Thrice welcome to this annual spread! 
Of our merchants and salesmen it may fairly be said. 
If they do not, in these times, furnish diamonds and pearls, 
They are only too happy to wait on the girls! 

At these dinners, the custom has heretofore been 
To select a few speakers from our best-looking men. 
We have several good talkers, well loaded with zest — 
If we once press the button they will do all the rest. 




14 




A Birthday Tribute 



JO 



Once more we come to greet you here 

Upon your natal day, 
And kindred hearts and kindred tongues 

Their grateful homage pay. 

Thy birthdays number many a score, 
And ninety-three are sealed ; 

While memories rich in plenteous store 
Their garnered harvest yield. 

What though the annual count goes on 

Beyond four-score and ten ? 
The weight of years sits light upon 

The eldest of our kin. 

We know not of the coming years, 
Nor whence our pathway lies, 

We only know the present hour 
Is one of glad surprivSe. 

As evening sunset's radiant light 

Prolongs the closing day, 
So may the twilight of thy life 

Be brightened all the way! 



August 17, 1900. 





vomm 



'/ I 



At Grand Army Fair, City Hall, 

OCTOBER 14, 1891. 

The call to arms in April, 'Sixty-one, 
Told of rebellion; 'twas the signal gun. 
Shot from the nation's parapet to wake 
The patriot's dream, for country's sake. 
Thirty long years have passed away, 
And Post Nineteen is here to-day, 
With comrades working with a will 
Its noble purpose to fulfill. 
What can we say? What empty phrase 
Or feeble thought can sing their praise? 
No flattering words of pen or tongue 
Can add one tribute. No, not one! 





UNFURLING THE FLAG 

AT THE 

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, 
FITCHBURG, 

MAY 29, 1897. 



Where grand old Wacliusett in the distance is gleaming, 
With Pearl Hill in the rear like a sentinel bold, 

Stands a structure devoted to the science of teaching, 
As fair in its setting as Mount Zion of old. 

'Twas a glorious day at the Normal School building. 
When with music and banners the veterans came 

By juniors escorted, — their ardor rekindling, 
Our long cherished memories of Patriot fame. 

And now at the steps of the portal we listen. 

As speakers discourse on the Stripes and the Stars,— 

When the orator's gesture gives signal to christen, 
The banner unfurls amid shouts and huzzas. 

Then honor the old flag whose war-worn defenders 
Bore it in triumph through conflict and storm. 

Teach a new generation to hallow its splendors, 
Let it ever the emblem of Liberty form. 





Mr. President, if you'll allow me the time, 

I'll make the attempt, in unpolished rhyme, 

To follow your suggestion — and just say a word 

About matters and things, and what has occurred 

Since coming together, our stories to tell, 

Around Judkins' tables at Fitchburg Hotel. 

That our order is prosperous, no one can doubt, 
Our meetings are pleasant, and often bring out 
Something entirely new — 'tis ever the same 
With dealers in merchandise, whatever their name. 

No benefit order that's ever been here. 
Can furnish so much for three dollars per year. 
Every merchant in town, whether member or not. 
Gets some of the benefits that fall to our lot. 

An offer of marriage was informally made 

By our bachelor friend, the old Board of Trade; 

But this association was very content 

To remain as it is — and wouldn't consent — 

But said to the suitor, ** we'll all do our part 

If you'll go it alone to give you a start." 



This promise we've kept, and now there is more 
New life in said bachelor than ever before. 
The doctor has saved him! — he's again on his feet, 
We'll greet him as brother whenever we meet. 

18 



Scarce any new enterprise ever succeeds 
Without having some ''checks" — v^hat everyone needs! 
We've had our experience, and now we may say 
Our sails are all hoisted, we're well under weigh. 

Since ex-President Read took the executive chair 
We've paid every debt, with a dollar to spare; 
And you, Mr. President, w^e know will maintain 
The object and purpose implied in our name. 



May our industries prosper, with purpose and will, 
As strong as the granite on Rollstone hill. 
Hold out like its quarries, that shadow the town, 
Be firm as the boulder that rests on its crown. 

Others may talk of their rivers and streams. 
Their mountains and valleys and picturesque scenes, 
But whenever your friends have a moment to spare. 
Let them take in the view on Monument square. 
Or cHmbing Mt. Vernon to the end of the street, 
There's a fine panorama, not easy to beat. 




^^M^ 



The Nashua river, v^rhich our fathers maintained 
Was a hindrance to growth, and often profaned 
When otherwise dammed, — ever after became 
An ally of progress, and has helped to sustain 
Workshops and mills, which at no distant time 
Will extend from West End to Leominster line. 



Though this valley is fruitful in little but stones, 
Our hillsides are studded with comfortable homes. 
Then let us be grateful, and never forget, 
The hardships and dangers our ancestors met. 

From industrial labor and care that it brings 
Let us turn for a moment to pleasanter things. 
Our library building has much that is rare, 
A rich benefaction! where all have a share. 
Blessings surround him, whose big, manly heart, 
Furnished this librar3^ and gallery of art. 




Our newspapers, too, should not be passed by. 
They have noses for news, and the public supply 
With whatever has happened, and also foretell 
The goods that the merchants have ready to sell. 

We've an eight-page daily, quite modern in style, 
The oldest in town, yet young all the while. 
Go wherever you will, for many miles round, 
The Sentinel, daily and weekly, is found. 

In times more remote, the older ones say, 
Fitchburg could have only two mails a day, 
To fill the demand which later prevails 
Requires every day twenty-five hundred Mails. 

And when Saturday comes, wherever you walk 
The newsboys are crying, ''Town Talk,'' ''TownTalkP' 
And lastly an Echo from the high school adds 
To literature's larder the latest of fads. 



With political parties we've nothing to do, 
That union is strength we know to be true. 
A house that's divided can never expect 
To accomplish its purpose, whether party or sect. 

When Mj^ron P. Walker decided that he 
Would not throw a vote for Timothy G., 
Such a tumult arose that neither could win, 
And that 's what let Coolidge of Ashburnham in. 



Our street railway's a subject, which every one knows, 
Becomes more important the older it grows. 
Strong in its management, not easy to block — 
If you want public office be shy of its stock. 

There are other things, too, we are sorry to pass, — 
Our railroads, telephones, and dealers in gas, — 
But, friends, you will tire if I wander away 
To the heights of Parnassus, and there go astray. 

It may seem presumptuous and quite out of place 
For an unlettered merchant to enter the race 
With makers of verses and critical wnts, 
With rhymes made to measure and readj^-made fits. 

But the Merchants' dinner is an annual spread. 
And 'tis not expected that all that is said 
Will be logic or law, but merely suffice 
To fill out the menu with pepper and spice. 



21 




Let us turn to the scenes of our childhood, 
From cares and from routine, to roam 

By the pathways most dear to our boyhood. 
That center around the Old Home! 

The mountains still rise in their grandeur 
O'er the hilltops and valleys below, 

And the white-crowned peaks in the distance 
Still gleam as in days long ago. 

The river its course still continues 
From the uplands away to the sea, 

And all the familiar old landmarks 
Unfold tender memories to me. 

There is nothing the wide world can offer. 
Though far-away lands we may seek, 

Which can sever the ties of warm friendship 
That revive in the Old Home week! 





I. 

'Tis a pleasure, my friends, as we enter the door 
On this festal re-union to meet you once more. 
The merchants of Fitchburg have a fair reputation 
For getting up dinners to suit the occasion. 
'Twas an old-time custom at a festival board 
For each guest to supply what his house could afford ; 
But in these modern times we have all that we need 
When our tables are loaded by Caterer Read. 

11. 
We welcome all parties, all creeds, to our feast, 
The lawyer, the doctor, and last but not least. 
The eloquent teacher, whose humor and grace 
Befits the occasion, the time and the place. 
A banquet like this would be far from complete 
If the school superintendent should remain in his seat. 
His fund of sound logic adds vigor and zest, 
Though his gun may be loaded with '* infinite jest." 

III. 
Our newspaper friends we most cordially greet. 
Their faithful reporters we cheerfully meet; 
They well represent both the Celtic and Saxon, 
With Harris and Darling, O'Connell and Faxon. 
While hustling for news 'tis their chief occupation 
To secure for their papers a large circulation; 
While the Globe and the Herald are running a race, 
The Mail and the Sentinel each have their place. 

23 



One difficult problem confronts us to-day — 
To remove our grade crossings in a practical way. 
To accomplish this work, and reserve all our rights, 
May be quite as expensive as electrical lights. 
Electrical lights — shall I mention them here? 
They are luxuries surely that cost ver^^ dear. 
Our Merchants' Association has asked for redress, 
But no claim for reduction has met with success. 

VI. 

The telephone service has greatly improved 

Since the cause of the trouble was gently removed ; 

Yet confusing at times, when you can't hear a call. 

Like that Boston stump speech that was wired to our hall. 

One subject I'll mention before I say more, — 

I think very likely you have heard it before, — 

Good train service to Worcester is so much in need 

That forbearance in future will be virtue indeed. 

VII. 

Our street railways are managed with prudence and skill ; 
The new Leominster line has not failed to fulfil 
All that was promised; and at no distant time. 
We trust the electrics will extend the whole line. 




With no lake in our borders, with streams very small, 
We have water, pure water, enough for us all. 
When Overlook's empty and Falulah runs dry. 
The new service is ready with a bounteous supply. 

24 



IX. 

The new Wallace Building is a palatial affair, — 

It has swallowed a landmark that used to be there. 

The old Caldwell Grocery "we ne'er shall see more," 




But Gray sells the coffee just the same as before. 
There's a grocer down town on a busy side street 
Who boasts of initials that have never been beat. 
His mystical title is O. L. P. G., 
And his favorite beverage is sixty cent tea. 

X. 

The elections are over, and the official votes show 
That while some have the turkey the others eat crow. 
Whatever the outcome, we trust 'twill be well — 
What's inside a melon you never can tell. 
The voters of Fitchburg did the thing that was fair 
When they gave one President the municipal chair. 
'Twould be pleasing to many, abroad and at home. 
To see President Parker sit under the dome. 



XL 

I was thinking, one day, as I entered my den. 
Of the changes in business, of the changes in men ; 
Of the many odd fashions we've greeted with smiles, 
But amid all these changes we still have our Stiles. 
For forty odd years he has served the fair sex 
With silks, ribbons and laces, enough to perplex 
The brain of an inventor or student of art; 
Though senior in service, he has youth in his heart. 

25 



XIII. 

Let us turn from material and industrial themes 

To the wonders of Nature on hilltops and streams. 

Take a trip to Mt. Rollstone, see the boulder that's there, 

May the hand of the spoiler this memorial spare! 

This famous old boulder, our scientists say, 

In the glacial period was brought far away 

From its primitive bed on an iceberg train 

And deposited here. Here may it remain! 




XIV. 

There's another fair prospect deserves a remark, — 
The magnificent outlook from Etonian park ! 
What's to be there in future I dare not foretell, 
But it's a splendid location for a summer hotel. 
Our excursion to Dublin 'twould be well to renew,— 
That ride round the lake with Monadnock in view, 
And the marks of attention we everywhere met 
Gave a charm to the occasion we woidd not forget. 

XV. 

In our city's prosperity we all claim a share. 
Though rapidly growing we've still room to spare. 
Our real estate agents have lots all about — 
Like Macy's bananas they seldom give out. 
In closing let me offer this sentiment here, — 
Good health and good fortune the incoming year; 
In all our endeavors let these be our ends — 
To be true to our city, our neighbors and friends. 

26 




IN MEMORIAM. 



Written on the Day of President McKinley' 
Death, 



September 14, 1901. 



Alas ! the lingering hope is crushed ; 

A nation feels its saddened fate! 
The honored chieftain of our land 

Has met the assassin's cruel hate. 

And stricken hearts around his bier 
Will highest blessings still invoke 

On him whose great heart could forgive 
The hand that caused the fatal stroke. 

In the long list of martyred dead 

High on the roll that name will stand, 

Who gave the best of all he had 
In service to his native land. 

While the whole world w^ill mourn for one 

Whose kindness made him truly great 
His life should teach good will to men 
In place of jealousj^ and hate. 




27 




At the Banquet Complimentary to 
General Miles, 



March 23, 1899. 



4?5i 

To all the friends who have assembled here 
This annual banquet offers hearty cheer. 
Johnsonia's viands, music, speech and jest, 
All join in w^elcome to an honored guest 
Who passed his boyhood in a neighboring town ; 
To-day he wears the badge of high renown, 
And coming northward to his native hills 
From distant prairies and from tropic isles, 
May he whose fame through every zone extends 
Find warmest welcome here among his friends. 
We likewise welcome to our festal boards 
Members of Congress and Home Market lords, 
Whose recent banquet at Creation's Hub 
Broke all the records of that far-famed club. 
Released from business and from cares of state, 
While social greetings friendly ties create. 
Let us, digressing from engrossing themes. 
Glance for a moment o'er Life's changing scenes. 

28 



A mountain rivulet, winding from its source, 

Takes up the brooklets in its onward course, 

Till a broad river's placid waters show, 

A mirrored landscape in the stream below. 

Thus on Life's journey, much that's lost to view 

The mirror of the mind reveals anew ; 

And scenes of beauty, deep in memory laid. 

Are joys forever, vividly portrayed. 

Things long remembered verse and song inspire, 

When Fancy's roll-call wakes the muse's lyre; 

And glancing backward o'er the treasured past. 

To this conclusion must we come at last. 

That flowers bloom not in distant lands alone 

And fairest scenes are often nearest home. 

The thought of Rollstone, rugged, rough and bold. 

Brings back the pathways trod in da3^s of old. 

While the lone boulder, ever looking down. 

Bears inspiration in its ancient frown. 




From old Wachusett, Nature's charms unfold 
A gleaming landscape in its green and gold. 
And from the heights v^e hail the noontide glow 
On Grand Monadnock and the vales below ; 
Barren of tree and flower, its kingly crest. 
In perfect outline, towers above the rest ; 
Nor these alone; full mauA^ a wood and plain 
The love of Nature links to Memory's chain. 
Dear are these hills when clad in winter's snow 
Or the green foliage from the summer's glow; 
Those valleys, too, along the modest stream. 
Awake the pleasures of our boyhood's dream. 

29 



And those old school-mates! how their forms appear 

Upon the canvas so distinct and clear 

They fill the foreground of the pictured scene, 

Despite the lengthening years that lie between. 

So Memory's treasures keep our lives serene 

With hopes that linger like a sunset scene. 

And when the shadows dark and drear begin, 

Some fond remembrance fills the place v/ithin. 

Where the warm heart-glow softens every care. 

As mists dissolve beneath the sunny air. 

Thus in the history of our lives we find 

The joys of youth with later griefs combined. 

The joys of youth! our thoughts again pursue 

The wonted pathways that our childhood knew, 

When the old stage-line, with its coach and four. 

With cracking whip approached the tavern door; 

Ere the huge engine and the flying train 

Coiled through these valleys like an endless chain. 




How changed the scene! Now tracks of living fire 

Roll o'er a broomstick, from electric wire; 

While the street railways, mighty in their sway, 

Control elections for their right of way, 

And, called to fill the Aldermanic chair, 

For days of trouble one might well prepare. 

Material changes mark the flight of time 

By new inventions all along the line. 

Controlled by science, Nature's forces yield 

To man a service ne'er before revealed. 

While greater knowledge still, at his command. 

Make steam and lightning puppets in his hand. 

And both, subservient to his sovereign will, 

Perform their antics with a magic skill. 

30 



Again the lenses turn in Memory's glass, 
And great events in swift succession pass ; — 
Four years of fighting, years of deadly strife. 
When thoughtless traitors sought the Nation's life. 
Well we remember in those stirring times 
What perils threatened on our border lines, 
The siege of Sumter and its brave defence, 




The call of Lincoln and the quick response, 
The gathering dangers, both on sea and land. 
All safely guarded by his steady hand. 
Long was the conflict, stern was the decree 
That life for life must make our Nation free. 
Peace came at last; at last the fiery chain 
Of weary servitude was rent in twain. 
No more the war-drums call, or cannons roar, 
Veterans returned ; their toilsome marches o'er. 
Blessed their memory! Let this record stand. 
These lent their lives to save our native land. 
Once more united. North and South maintain 
Their promised loyalty to Freedom's name. 
Long years succeeded in their quiet reign. 
When threatening war-clouds gathered once again. 
A neighboring island, filled with dire distress. 
For wrongs inflicted vainly sought redress. 
But haughty Spaniards, in their mad career, 
To reason's call returned a deafened ear. 
War with its horrors, covering land and sea, 
Controlled once more the Nation's destiny, 
Once more the fife and drum upon the street 
Marked time to measured tread of marching feet. 
"Onward to Cuba!" rang from shore to shore, 
As "On to Richmond" in the days of yore. 

31 



But Dewey's war-ships, making no delay, 

Fired the first volley in Manila bay. 

That rousing signal, from Olympia sent, 

Echoed o'er every sea and continent. 

Such naval victory ne'er was won before, 

And Spain's Armada w411 be heard no more. 

Next came Cervera with his famous fleet. 

Which Schley and Sampson tried in vain to meet. 

Safely enclosed in Santiago bay. 

The Spanish tars were quite content to stay, 

Till our brave leaders, with their gallant men, 

Besieged the city and surrounded them. 

Escape w^as hopeless for the Spanish fleet, 

Save by surrender or by bold retreat; 

They chose the latter, and you know full well 

How rained the iron hail and bursting shell. 






The shout of victory, signal and complete, 
Taught Spain the lesson of her sure defeat; 
Toral surrendered, and this brief campaign 
Sent many thousand Spaniards back to Spain. 
That once proud nation, wasting to decay, 
Sought terms of treaty and a brief delay; 
The truce was granted, and grim war no more 
Engaged our forces on the Cuban shore, 
While Stars and Stripes in peaceful triumph wave 
O'er lands made sacred by the true and brave. 
Our boys from Fitchburg, under General Miles, 
Passed through the dangers of those tropic isles. 
Faithful in service, loyal to the State, 
Like old-time veterans whom they emulate. 



Blest be our Cotintry! May it ever stand 
As Freedom's guardian! lend a willing hand 
Where duty calls on any s©a or shore, 
Till cruel tyrants shall oppress no more. 
As in the Antilles peaceful order reigns, 
May bloody warfare cease in all domains. 
Then will the shadows in the Eastern skies 
Bring to the nations blessings in disguise. 




These backward glances, gleaned from Memory's page. 

Note lines of progress, traced from youth to age. 

Life, like a current, swifter than it seems, 

Glides on from springtime to its harvest scenes; 

And looking forward, tireless we pursue 

The phantom Summer, till at length we view 

The dreamy grandeur of Autumnal days, 

Whose clouds are gilded by the sunset rays. 

Then may Life's Winter, with its silvery light. 

Be as the twilight to the starry night. 



L.ofC. 







l 




Shafter's Supposed Address 



SURRENDER OF SANTIAGO. 



€^r% 



Friends, soldiers, countrymen, lend me your ears : 

I came to capture Toral, not to kill him. 

The noble Blanco hath told you 

Toral could not surrender. 

If it were so, it were a grievous fault, 

And grievously hath Toral answered it. 

Here, under leave of Uncle Samuel and the rest, 

Come I to speak of the surrender. 

He will take many captives home to Spain 

Whose Mausers will our general coffers fill. 

You all did see that on the battle-field 

I thrice demanded his surrender, 

Which he did thrice refuse. 

I speak not to disprove what Blanco spoke, 

But here I am to speak what I do know. 

Here is the parchment with the seal of Toral, 

And on the ramparts floats your country's flag. 

Moreover, he hath left you all his walks, 

His private harbors and new planted guns 

Around the city; he hath left them to you 

And to your heirs forever, common pleasures. 

To walk abroad and recreate yourselves. 

Here was a Spaniard. Whence comes such another? 





\mr\i of laurel <§treet 






Aye, board the ancient roadway up! 

Long has it served us well, 
Though multitudes have traveled there 

No accident befell; 
Beside it runs the waterfall. 

Still murmuring as of yore; 
The traffic of the coming years 

Will pass that way no more. 

This road was trod by heroes' feet 

To meet a foreign foe, 
When Lexington and Concord called 

For minute men to go. 
No more the pathway of the brave! 

Where now the patriots' fame? 
The glory of departed years 

Is but an empty name! 

What though it leads to Laurel hill? 

What though for many a year 
The dirges' slow and measured notes 

Have led the sacred bier? 
We'll take no note of what is past — 

No thought of ancient lore — 
All that a century leaves behind 

Board up forevermore! 




I 





# 



#* 



m 







At this fair season Nature's winning grace 
Adds her warm welcome to this time and 

place ; 
We gather here a gladsome hour to pass, mimi 
And greet this twentieth century class. 

This scene recalls that well-remembered day 
The Fitchburg High School started on its way 
In the old building perched on Science hill, 
With its high pillars and its clear-toned bell. 
No frieze nor fresco led to spacious halls, — 
Some simple mottoes hung upon the walls 
Each with its special purpose to fulfil, 
And **Tempus Fugit" sounds familiar still. 
Those old-time teachers, kindly though austere, 
Their names on memory's tablet yet appear, — 
Marshall, the first, whose stately form and grace 
Left an impression time cannot efface. 

Through all the changes from the first High School 
We find progression is the standard rule; 
And ever onward since that distant time 
This school has prospered, keeping well in line 
With all conditions which to-day unfold 
The duties of the scholar to the world! 



36 



On this occasion one can plainly see 

The changes wrought in half a century; 

For progress, ever potent in its sway, 

Sends forth an edict we must all obey. 

Inventions multiply and wonders grow 

Till Life is like a living Dynamo ! 

So swift its current now that time and space 

Hold no longer their accustomed place. 

The world is wider than our grandsires deemed, 

And filled with things of which they never dreamed! 

As grows the world this school, year after year. 

Sends out recruits to fill the larger Sphere. 




This golden hour, this graduation scene. 
Is the fulfilment of the student's dream, — 
A point of vision on the great highway 
That leadeth upward to reality. 
A thousand memories cluster round this place 
Which Life's new duties never can efface. 
Delightful thought! that all the treasured past. 
With our to-days and yesterdays, shall last! 



37 



Aclown the vista of the coming years, 
In the bright picture as it there appears, 
We see this class, so long -united here, 
Studying grave questions in a wider sphere, — 
Serving the public, filling man^^ stations 
In women's clubs and men's associations ; 
With zeal undaunted, doing what they can 
To solve great problems like the sewer plan, 
Labor conditions, public loss and gain, 
Tariff and taxes, and an endless chain 
Of subjects. In your class motto you express 
It well: ''Through difficulties to success!" 
Which in plain English makes 

it very plain 
That earnest effort will not 

be in vain. 
For they who faithfully these 

burdens bear 
In time will the victorious 

garland wear. 







Already help from every quarter comes 

To beautify our city and improve its homes. 

Before another graduation day 

Improved conditions will extend this way,— 

This noble structure will no longer be 

A thing of beauty, which we cannot see. 

But, looking downward through our central square, 

Will greet the Library and the treasures there. 



38 



Let the good work go on; still there will be 
Plenty of room and opportunity 
For strenuous effort, and to do and dare 
Makes life worth living, spite of loss and care. 

This, then, the Message which comes down to you 

Do well and bravely what you have to do! 

Nor think your education yet complete 

While skies above and earth beneath your feet 

Contain more lessons Nature has to teach 

Than staid Philosophy alone could reach. 

Rejoice that in this favored age you live, 

And having much received, as freely give; 

Think not the higher call will ever cease 

While age and opportunity increase. 

Through all the world are open doors for you. 

As Emerson has said, 'tis ever true, — 

'*Go where he will, the wise man is at home. 

His hearth the earth, his hall the azure dome!" 




39 



!• 



An American Ode. 



August 7, 18S 



iWi 




God of the nations, Lord of lands, 
Must we prolong the battle-line 

To loosen all the iron bands 

Extending over palm and pine? 

Lord God of hosts, shall we accept - 

Wilt thou direct, wilt thou direct ? 




The turmoil of the Philippines — 
The bitterness of vague unrest' 

The weird account of battle scenes- 
A living sacrifice at best! 

Lord God of all, must we accept — 

Wilt thou direct, wilt thou direct? 



40 




Far-called our navies swept away 

The Spanish rule in distant lands — 

Not all our pride of yesterday 

Is one with faith in helping hands! 

Lord of all lands, be with us yet, 

And still direct, and still direct! 




In vain the plea of good intent, 

The lofty purpose, airn and end — 

If not on Mercy's errand sent — 

From frantic boast, may Heaven forefend ! 

Judge of the Nations, guard us yet — 

And still direct, and still direct! 




Can Freedom's banner proudly wave 

Where heathen tongues run madly wild — 

Can valiant deeds a nation save 

That's now ''half savage and half child ?" 

Our fathers' God, we trust thee yet — 

Wilt thou direct, wilt thou direct? 




I. 



^^~ 



Out of the darkness of a shrouded night 
Slow steals the golden glow of morning light; 
Then wavy clouds in brightest crimson lie 
Round the horizon of the eastern sky, 
Till rising sunbeams mark the dawn of day, 
And vapory mists dissolving, melt away. 

II. 

The sunlit windows on the sloping hill, 
The smoke-wreaths rising high o'er shop and mill. 
The muffled milkman on his morning round, 
The workman hastening at the whistle's sound, 
The schoolboy coasting on the incrusted way — 
Proclaim the advent of a crispy day. 

III. 

Dear old New England — land of frost and snow! 
No splendor can the lavish tropics show 
Fairer than sunrise in thy northern clime, — 
Thy white-robed mountains, ruggedly sublime. 
Thy tree-tops freighted by the icy storm. 
Sparkling with diamonds on a Winter morn ! 









From my south window, looking to the west, 
I watch the sunset on Mt. Rollstone's crest. 
The tinted clouds above, in bright array, 
Reflect the splendor of the King of Day ; 
Crested with crimson, turning now to gold — 
Changing to hues no artist can unfold ! 
Then the calm quiet of the evening hour 
Comes to the senses with its subtle power, — 
The darkening tv\rilight all the valley fills, 
And lights are lighted on the distant hills. 



So in the shadow of declining years, 
When Life's bright sunlight slowly disappears. 
The fleecy clouds that linger by the way 
Are sometimes gilded by a golden ray ; 
And in the twilight of the coming night. 
The sky is radiant with resplendent light! 
What though the valley and the shadowy plain 
Are often darkened as the sunbeams wane? 
When lights are lighted on the other side. 
We wait in calmness for the Eventide! 



February, 1900. 



BINDERY 
1903 



